Dion Mae (Cawthra) Mahlman, age 89, of Sidney, NE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Sidney Regional Medical Center. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel with Pastor Lee Eads officiating.

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 1-6:00 P.M. to leave condolences for the family. You may view Dion’s Book of Memories and leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Dion’s care and funeral arrangements.

Dion is survived by her husband of 56 years, Larry Mahlman of Sidney, NE, and their daughter, Dinah Mahlman of Houston, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Alvin Cawthra and Lillian (Zike) Cawthra.

Dion was born on May 26, 1935, in Sidney, NE, and was raised by her grandparents, the late Dr. C.W. and Mrs. Ollie Mae Zike. As a young girl, she performed in her uncle’s touring equestrian show, Art Zike and His Educated Horses. She developed a love of animals from spending time at her grandfather’s veterinary practice and a talent for roller skating at Zike’s Roller Rink, the business her grandmother built.

Dion graduated from Sidney High School in the Class of 1953 and went on to run a local dance academy, DeYonne’s Studio of Dramatic Dance, for 40-plus years. Her students won numerous Sidney Kawanis Club Stars of Tomorrow and Denver Show Wagon talent competitions in the 1950s and 60s.

She met her husband, Larry, through her work as a choreographer and dance instructor, and they were married in Sidney on May 11, 1968. Dion loved being a mother and rarely missed one of her daughter Dinah’s athletic events, cheerleading competitions, band and choir concerts, or theatre performances.

In recent years, Dion found joy in reading “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” book series, learning about etymology, and listening to Kenny Chesney.

The Mahlman family wishes to express deep gratitude for your kind thoughts and expressions of sympathy during our time of bereavement.